The battery is one of the most critical components of your iPhone, and it is important to address any iPhone battery problems that may arise. We all rely on our iPhones for various tasks, from sending emails to capturing memories, and the last thing we need is for the iPhone battery to let us down. Apple provides a useful tool called “Battery Health” that helps you gauge the health of your iPhone’s lithium-ion batteries.
However, there could be several reasons why you might need to fix iPhone battery problems, either for troubleshooting or for a fresh start. In any case, here’s how you can handle iPhone battery life problems. It is also recommended to keep your iPhone updated to the latest version of iOS since updates can often contain bug fixes that benefit iPhone battery performance and life. This is also true of Apps – make sure each one is updated as often as possible.
Before diving into the details, it’s crucial to clarify that you can’t actually “reset” the Battery Health indicator in iOS to make it appear as though your battery is brand new again. The calibration process, which involves draining the battery and fully charging it once, is the only way to reset the health of your battery and optimize its performance. The battery indicator, which displays the amount of charge left for daily use, will typically show a not-so-accurate percentage. The health of your new battery, including any new features introduced with iOS updates, is a bit different, as it reflects the physical condition of your battery.
Unlike other reset options, a soft reset will not delete apps or data from your iPhone. Press and release the top volume button once. Do the same with the bottom volume button. Battery calibration (sometimes called “recalibration”) is an automated maintenance routine that runs without user intervention whenever the battery needs recalibration.
To check your battery’s status, tap on Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the recalibration process is running, users see the following: “iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14 Running iOS 14.5 Through 16.5.1 Don’t Require Manual Calibration” message. I have a brand new iPhone 14 Pro Max, and I calibrated the battery about a week after unboxing. It appears to have extended battery life significantly.
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What is Battery Health?
Introduced in iOS 11.3, the Battery Health feature provides information about the current condition of your iPhone battery, including its maximum capacity, peak performance capability, and battery level, which declines naturally over time due to chemical aging. This process may take a few weeks. Once you get below a certain threshold (usually around 80% of its original maximum capacity), you might start to experience more noticeable battery issues, such as reduced runtime between charges. Devices with deteriorating batteries will display this message on the Battery Health screen.
If you see iCloud Photo Library there and you’ve just upgraded, it’s a sign you’re downloading thumbnails, and things should return to normal when you’re done. If you see Facebook there and it says 4% on screen and 40% on background, it’s a sign something has gone wrong. To expedite battery drainage, turn on the flashlight, turn up the brightness, and play a video, preferably streaming over the internet. If you aren’t planning to use your device for a long time, charge or drain the battery to 50% before you store it. You shouldn’t leave the battery at 100% charge for a long period of time because the pressure of it reduces the maximum capacity.
Adjusting the wallpaper brightness and screen brightness can also help improve iPhone battery life. Standby must reflect increased timings. Siri can be a useful tool to manage battery usage on your iPhone by turning off certain settings.
For example, you can turn off the Raise to Speak feature in Siri settings to prevent unnecessary battery drain. By manually regulating the use of AirDrop, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, you can further optimize your battery life. Click on Settings > iTunes & App Store. Choose Automatic Downloads Off option and schedule downloads when needed. The best way to reduce battery damage with fast charging is to turn off your iPhone. This will make it charge faster but with less heat than leaving your device powered on or using it while charging.
Accessing Battery Health
To check your iPhone’s Battery Health:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and select “Battery”
- Tap “Battery Health”
Here, you will see two metrics:
- Maximum Capacity: This tells you the current capacity of your battery compared to when it was new.
- Peak Performance Capability: This lets you know if your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance or if it has been throttled to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Why Would You Want to Reset Battery Health?
Even though you can’t reset the Battery Health feature to trick the system into showing a higher capacity, understanding the true state of your battery can help you take action to improve its lifespan. For example:
- To determine if it’s time to replace your battery
- To troubleshoot and resolve battery-related issues
Options for “Resetting” Battery Health
Battery Replacement
The most effective way to reset your iPhone’s battery health is to replace the battery. Once replaced with a new one, the Battery Health should read close to 100% in terms of Maximum Capacity, and the Peak Performance Capability should also indicate that your phone is running at optimal performance.
How to Replace the Battery
- Apple Store: The most recommended option is to take your iPhone to an Apple Store for a battery replacement, which costs around $69 for newer models as of my last update in September 2021.
- Third-party Services: There are third-party services available for battery replacements, but these are not always recommended as they may void your warranty.
- DIY: This is the least recommended option unless you have specialized knowledge and tools.
Factory Reset
A factory reset won’t affect the physical battery health but can sometimes resolve software issues that are causing faster battery drain. To do this:
- Go to “Settings”
- Tap on “General”
- Scroll down to the bottom and select “Reset”
- Choose “Erase All Content and Settings”
Note: Make sure to back up all your data before performing a factory reset.
Calibration
Calibrating your battery won’t improve its maximum capacity but can help provide more accurate readings. To calibrate:
- Drain your iPhone battery completely until it turns off.
- Charge it to 100% without interruption.
- Run it down to about 50% and then charge it back to 100%.
Preventive Measures
To prolong your iPhone battery’s lifespan, follow these general guidelines:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Both high and low temperatures can have a detrimental effect on your battery’s health.
- Update iOS: Always keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version as software updates often contain fixes for battery performance.
- Manage Background Apps: Apps running in the background can drain your battery quickly. Be sure to close unused apps.
Conclusion
While there is no direct way to reset the Battery Health feature on an iPhone without replacing the battery, understanding what affects your battery’s health allows you to make informed decisions about replacements, calibrations, and daily usage. Being aware of your battery’s condition is the first step in ensuring its longevity.
FAQs
1. Can I actually reset the Battery Health on my iPhone to make it like new?
No, you can’t reset the Battery Health to make it appear as though your battery is brand new. The Battery Health feature reflects the physical condition of your battery. The only way to restore it to a higher capacity is by replacing the battery.
2. How often should I check my iPhone’s Battery Health?
It’s a good idea to check your iPhone’s Battery Health periodically, especially if you notice a significant decrease in battery life. Checking every few months can help you monitor any decline in capacity over time.
3. Does a factory reset improve my battery health?
No, a factory reset won’t directly impact your battery’s health. However, it can resolve software issues that might be causing faster battery drain. If your battery health is declining due to software-related problems, a factory reset could help improve performance.
4. Can I calibrate my battery to reset its health?
Calibrating your battery won’t reset its health, but it can help improve the accuracy of battery percentage readings. Calibrating involves fully draining the battery and then charging it to 100%, which can help your phone’s software get a better understanding of the battery’s current capacity.
5. When should I consider replacing my iPhone battery?
Consider replacing your iPhone battery if the Battery Health indicates a maximum capacity significantly below 80% or if you’re experiencing issues like unexpected shutdowns or rapid battery drain. Replacing the battery can restore better performance and battery life.
6. Where can I get my iPhone battery replaced?
You can get your iPhone battery replaced at an Apple Store, an authorized service provider, or through certain third-party repair services. Apple’s official channels are recommended to ensure quality and warranty compliance.
7. Does battery replacement void my warranty?
Getting a battery replacement from unauthorized third-party services might void your warranty. However, if you get a battery replacement from Apple or an authorized service provider, your warranty should remain intact.
8. How much does it cost to replace an iPhone battery?
As of my last update in September 2021, battery replacement costs around $69 for newer iPhone models at Apple Stores. Prices might vary depending on the model and region.
9. Can I prevent battery health degradation?
While you can’t prevent battery aging entirely, you can take steps to slow down the process. Avoid exposing your iPhone to extreme temperatures, update to the latest iOS version, and manage background apps to reduce unnecessary battery drain.
10. Is it worth replacing the battery or should I consider getting a new iPhone?
If your iPhone’s battery health is significantly degraded and causing performance issues, replacing the battery can be a cost-effective solution to extend the phone’s lifespan. However, if your device is older and you’re experiencing other hardware or performance problems, you might also consider upgrading to a newer model.
Remember, taking care of your iPhone’s battery health is essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity. Regularly checking the Battery Health feature and following best practices can help you make informed decisions about your device’s battery.
